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Updated: May 4, 2026
Non-invasive Optical Measurement of Cerebral Metabolism and Hemodynamics in Infants
Published on: March 14, 2013
Insights into cerebrospinal fluid and cerebral blood flows in infants and young children
Cyrille Capel1, Malek Makki2, Catherine Gondry-Jouet3
1Image Processing Unit, University Hospital, Amiens, France Bio Flow Image, Research group of Picardie Jules Verne, France Neurosurgery Unit, University Hospital, Amiens, France.
Insights
Cerebral blood flow and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics in infants were studied using MRI. Findings reveal age-related increases in flow and highlight the spinal compartment's role in managing these vital fluids.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Physiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Understanding craniospinal fluid dynamics is crucial for pediatric neurological health.
- Cerebral blood flow and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation patterns in infants are not fully elucidated.
- Phase-contrast MRI offers a non-invasive method to assess these dynamic processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between age and craniospinal blood and CSF flow in neonates and infants.
- To characterize the dynamics of arterial cerebral blood flow and cervical CSF stroke volume.
- To explore the interaction between blood flow and CSF dynamics within the spinal compartment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 23 healthy neonates and infants (5 days to 68 months).
- Quantified mean arterial cerebral blood flow and cervical CSF stroke volume.
- Analyzed the temporal relationship between arterial inflow, venous outflow, and CSF flushing.
Main Results:
- Mean arterial cerebral blood flow increased significantly with age, from 180 mL/min at birth to 1330 mL/min by 6 years.
- Cerebral blood flow per unit mass also increased with age (51 to 95 mL/min/100 g).
- Cervical CSF stroke volume per cardiac cycle increased substantially, and venous outflow was consistently preceded by CSF flushing.
Conclusions:
- The spinal compartment plays a vital role in accommodating intracranial CSF, especially in infants with fontanelles.
- Demonstrated a significant interaction between blood flow and CSF dynamics, emphasizing spinal compartment compliance.
- Established reference values for craniospinal blood and CSF flow, aiding in understanding pediatric neurophysiology.
Abstract:
This study investigates the craniospinal flows of blood and cerebrospinal fluid using phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on 23 control neonates and infants (5 d-68 mo old). Mean arterial cerebral blood flow increased with age of infant from 180 mL/min after birth to 1330 mL/min around 6 years of age. This corresponds to 51 mL/min/100 g and 95 mL/min/100 g, respectively. Cervical cerebrospinal fluid stroke volume increased from 38 × 10(-3) mL to 752 × 10(-3) mL per cardiac cycle. After arterial systolic blood inflow, we observed a delay of the venous outflow that was always preceded by cerebrospinal fluid flushing out through the spinal canal. These results highlighted the importance of compliance of the spinal compartment and the interaction of blood and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. The capacity of the spinal compartment to receive intracranial cerebrospinal fluid in presence of fontanels was demonstrated. We provide reference values to understand the physiology of cerebrospinal fluid and cerebral blood.
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